Unfamiliarity breeds content within Dyson

Dyson is in the exalted company of the top 64 players in the world at Dove Mountain, as he looks to boost his chances of a Ryder Cup debut in Chicago later this year.

The 34-year-old Malton professional has played on three Seve Trophy teams against players he mixes with week-in, week-out on the European Tour.

But as he embarks on a more America-based campaign in 2012 – which continues at the Shell Houston Open before a second Masters appearance in April – Dyson believes squaring up to the golfers he does not know will stand him in good stead.

“The problem with a Seve Trophy is you’re always playing someone you know and you get a bit pally, and a bit comfortable,” said the six-times winner on the European Tour.

“With something like the match play in Arizona, invariably I will be playing someone I don’t know.

“And I prefer that with match play, I like that feeling that they are your rival and there’s something on the line.

“It gives the contest an edge.”

Dyson will therefore be pleased to have been drawn against Australia John Senden in the first round, a player he will have encountered only infrequently. Australian Jason Day is a potential second-round opponent while Masters champion Charl Schwartzel or former winner Ian Poulter are possible third-round ties for the Yorkshireman.

Dyson has begun his season by making three consecutive cuts with his worst finish a far-from- worrying 33rd.

“I’m playing really well, I could just be scoring a little better,” he said of his strokeplay form.

“I shot four under the other week in Dubai and a 68 was probably the worst I could have done. I should have been looking at a 59.”

In an added subplot in Arizona this week, Rory McIlroy – who faces South African George Coetzee in the opening round – will move to the top of the world rankings if he wins the title on Sunday and defending champion Luke Donald falls at the first or second hurdle.